BigIdeasDB Desktop
Desktop devices and licence
Your Desktop licence covers up to 3 computers. The app renews it quietly in the background, keeps working offline for a while, and heals itself when you get back online.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Quick answer
One account can activate Desktop on 3 computers. Each computer holds a 48 hour licence that the app refreshes at launch and every 12 hours. Offline, it keeps working until the licence runs out. Remove a computer from your Devices page to free a slot.
- 3 computers per account.
- Licence lasts 48 hours and refreshes every 12 hours while online.
- Offline use is fine until the licence expires.
- An expired licence renews once you are back online, within 30 days.
How the licence works
When you activate, bigideasdb.com signs a licence for that computer. The app checks it on launch and again every 12 hours while it can reach us. Each refresh gives a fresh 48 hours.
Settings, Licence shows your account, plan, this computer, when the licence is valid until, and when it was last renewed. Use Check now to refresh it by hand.
Working offline
You do not need a connection to use projects, chat or saved evidence. The licence keeps working for up to 48 hours after its last refresh. If it runs out while you are offline, Desktop locks with the message Reconnect to keep using Desktop. Your projects and data stay on your computer.
Once you are online, the app renews an expired licence by itself, as long as it expired less than 30 days ago. After 30 days, sign in again.
Going away?
Open Desktop online before you leave. That starts a fresh 48 hour window.
Your 3 computers
The Devices page lists every computer using your licence and shows how many of the 3 slots are used. To free a slot, remove a computer there. A removed computer is signed out within 48 hours, and its projects stay on that computer. You can activate it again later.
Messages you may see
- Reconnect to keep using Desktop: the licence could not be renewed in time. Go online and press Check again.
- This account no longer includes Desktop: your plan changed. Upgrade to Basic or buy the add-on, then check again.
- This computer was removed from your account: sign in again to add it back.
- This computer's clock looks wrong: fix the date and time, then check again.
Frequently asked questions
How many computers can I use?
Up to 3 per account. Remove one on the Devices page to free a slot.
Does Desktop work offline?
Yes for up to 48 hours after the last licence refresh. Your projects and data are always on your computer. After that, reconnect once and it renews.
What happens to my projects if the licence lapses?
Nothing. Projects and data stay on your computer. Desktop locks until the licence renews, and then everything is there.
What's the best way to move Desktop to a new computer?
Remove the old computer on the Devices page if all 3 slots are used, install Desktop on the new one, and press Activate.
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